‘Spirit of Edsa’ lives as provinces remember
Students, activists and religious groups in the provinces turned out in droves in activities commemorating the 40th anniversary of the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution, even as the day was not declared a holiday by the national government.
The commemoration activities were largely driven by Catholic dioceses, many of which ordered schools and other organizations under their wings, to suspend work and classes.
At least 10 local governments have also ordered the suspension of classes and work in government offices to give students and employees an opportunity to participate in Edsa anniversary events.
In Iloilo City, around 5,000 people joined a march and prayer rally dubbed “Kahublagan Kontra Kurapsyon” organized by progressive groups, the religious sector, youth organizations, transport groups and health professionals who called for accountability and an end to alleged corruption in government.
The march started at the Iloilo provincial capitol and culminated at Jaro Plaza, in front of the Jaro Cathedral.
In Bacolod City, Bishop Patricio Buzon called on the Filipino people to continue the Edsa People Power Revolution’s battle for change, lamenting at how its gains have been wasted in the past 40 years.
Buzon, who spoke at a Mass to mark the 40th People Power Revolution anniversary in front of the Negros Occidental capitol, called on the people to repent and battle for change with a force stronger than anger—with love of God and country.
He stressed the need to seek accountability for the corruption in government, end political dynasties, and ensure responsible voting to be able to elect the right leaders.
The Bacolod event gathered at least 3,000 participants.
Early on Wednesday, the Federation of Urban (FedUp) poor members offered flowers at the statue of the late Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. on Araneta Street in Bacolod City.
FedUp head Joy Jarabelo called for a “reset” of the Edsa People Power legacy, arguing that the movement must adapt to the current socioeconomic climate to address deep national disunity and “moral fatigue.”
No to martial law
In Baguio City, more than a hundred young activists staged a protest rally on Wednesday, asserting that martial law will never happen in their generation.
Baguio staged its own People Power event at the Baguio Cathedral from Feb. 23 to Feb. 25, 40 years ago, protecting Philippine Constabulary forces who joined activists, opposition leaders and other dissenters.
“No one asked people to go to the church. People just came,” recalled activist Geraldine Cacho who took part in what many call “Camp Cathedral” at that time. Baguio had been a hotbed due to student protests, she said.
Ray Dean Salvosa, whose family owns the University of the Cordilleras, joined the protest wearing a hat ringed with a yellow ribbon. “They can’t erase the spirit of people power from history—not the Duterte administration and not this administration,” said the 79-year-old Salvosa.
“I am here to defend the spirit of Edsa … Detractors have tried to make it look irrelevant. They attack the meaning of People Power, not realizing that the right to criticize Edsa comes from the same right that Edsa gave them,” he added.
In Albay province, more than 1,000 protesters carrying placards and streamers denounced what they described as “bureaucrat capitalism” under the administration of President Marcos.
Jen Nagrampa, chair of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Bicol, said corruption remains rampant four decades after the 1986 uprising that ousted strongman Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the President’s father and namesake.
“Billions of pesos are lost yearly due to irregularities in government,” Nagrampa said.
The groups also cited alleged anomalies in flood control projects and criticized the administration’s ties with the United States, saying these undermine national sovereignty.
They likewise sought accountability for human rights violations under the administrations of Mr. Marcos and of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Religious groups and students also held a “Heroes’ March” to commemorate the Edsa anniversary.
Participants marched from St. Agnes Academy to Albay Cathedral, calling for an end to corruption and urging peace, accountability, transparency and freedom.
During the Mass, Bishop Joel Baylon of the Diocese of Legazpi said hope remains alive and stressed that the spirit of Edsa begins in the conscience and actions of every person, not only in leaders or institutions.
He called on the youth to become instruments of truth, peace and social transformation.
Revolt’s symbol
During a good citizenship forum in Calapan City, Rev. Fr. Edwin Gariguez, director of the diocesan social action center, stressed that real power ultimately rests with the people and that unity is essential for national welfare.
“The true power is in the hands of the citizens. Those who steal from the government can be removed through peaceful means,” Gariguez said.
The Diocese of Malolos in Bulacan staged a procession of the original national pilgrim image of Our Lady of Fatima as part of its Edsa anniversary observance.
Youth and students from different towns and cities in Bulacan and Valenzuela City, including church leaders, parishioners and residents joined the procession after a Mass at the Our Lady of Fatima Church in Valenzuela.
Malolos Bishop Dennis Villarojo said the image of Our Lady of Fatima is one of the witnesses of the Edsa Revolt and became its religious symbol.
The image was blessed for the Philippines by the Vatican in 1967. In 1984, Cardinal Jaime Sin, then archbishop of Manila, brought it home to the country, said Fr. Nicanor Lalog II, chaplain of Our Lady of Fatima University.
Its canonical coronation was held on Feb. 25, 2024, due to its historic role in the peaceful revolution of 1986. —REPORTS FROM MICHAEL JAUCIAN, VINCENT CABREZA, CARMELA REYES-ESTROPE, MADONNA VIROLA, CARLA GOMEZ AND HAZEL VILLA
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